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Student Computers
Students are required to bring a fully working computer to class every week. It needs to have battery capacity to last the entire class hour, or else bring a power adapter and possibly an extension cord. The lessons are about computers, done while using the computer, so students will need a computer. SHEEP will not provide this for you.
What Computers Will Work?
Our class strongly prefers that you use Windows-based notebook PCs.
- You should not use a Chromebook, it will be very difficult to configure.
- You may use a MacBook, with permission, but with major caveats - read below.
- No, tablets and phones won't work for Computer Science.
Do Not
Do not show up to class with a Chromebook unless you have received explicit permission from Nathan, in writing. Most software we need to install will not run.
Please Do Not
Please don't show up to class on the first day with a MacBook, I know you paid a lot for it, but we cannot spend the entire year troubleshooting random problems. Please get permission from Nathan while you still have plenty of time to purchase something else.
All laptops need at least 8 GB of RAM
The more you have, the better a computer will work. Need help understanding the computer parts jargon? Check the computer shopping page.
Windows
Windows-based computers are the most common computers in the world, and knowing how to use them is critical to working most jobs. Please send your student to school with one of these.
Windows 11 is the current version. If your laptop does not have this, it's probably too old. If it originally shipped with windows 7, 8 or Vista, it's definitely too old.
Please check your computer for Windows "S Mode" that won't allow us to install programs or do the things we need in our class.
Please check for Windows Updates and install all the updates your Windows-based PC can handle. We need you to do this at home so that Windows doesn't try to install them during class. Time in our class is precious - we get 1 hour per week, so we need to optimize it as much as possible.
Permissions Check
Please check to make sure that your student has the necessary permissions in Windows to install programs when we need to. Check the User Account Controls. If your student has a child account or limited account, please remove these restrictions.
Chromebooks
Chrome OS is popular in schools because of its low price, however the devices tend to be far less capable. Even a highly capable Chromebook will need advanced configurations, requiring you to install Linux, allocate about half of the disk storage to Linux, and quickly become comfortable using the command line and installing programs via the APT package manager.
Many Chromebooks do not have the computing power necessary to install Linux. This is especially true for older Chromebooks and those with inexpensive CPUs.
Using a Chromebook for This Class is Difficult
If you choose to use a Chromebook, please install Linux in your Chromebook before we start our first class-- right now if possible!
The Permissions Clause
Because of the difficulty of using a Chromebook for this class, I must insist that you ask permission from me - Nathan - before you come to school.
MacOS, MacBooks, Apple Products
Macs that can run the current latest version of OS X will probably work in our class, however this is a bad idea.
What? Why?
The short story is that we don't use Apple computers. I (Nathan) see them as somewhat fringe, extravagant, niche computing devices, even still. There's also a much longer story I can tell about overpriced hardware and closed ecosystems, but it really comes down to the fact that I can't support or troubleshoot any problems on a Mac, and it's rare that any student understands the OS enough to navigate it while the rest of the class is running circles around them.
If you are insistent on using Apple devices, can you run Windows in a VM?
If you send your child to SHEEP with a Mac, you need to work with them for a couple hours to make sure they understand the OS and how to use all aspects of it! Every year, we see students on MacBooks lose their files, not understand how to use the Finder, not know how to install a program, not know how to close a program, and not understand the primary menu context. Don't let it be your student this year!
We may require software that cannot run on a Mac, and it is your responsibility to come up with an alternative, learn that alternative, and teach it to your own child.
Practical Concerns: Weight, Space, Dropping, Thieves
Some common issues with bringing a laptop to school are the size and weight in a backpack, and fear of it getting damaged, stolen, or lost. While we cannot guarantee you will be free from problems, we can recommend some solutions to plan ahead:
Leave it in your car. Often parents may camp out in the parking lot or come-and-go as their children have classes in different periods. If it is convenient, leave your computer in the vehicle. I recommend storing it in the trunk or where it is not visible. This saves space in backpacks, and reduces the risk of it getting dropped, lost, or stolen throughout the day.
Buy a smaller, especially thinner, lightweight device that your student can carry more easily. While there is a higher price for sub-notebook computers, there is a lower price for a smaller screen. Look for a good compromise when you go shopping.
- Most laptops weight 4 to 6 pounds, but range from 2 to 8
- A 17" screen is extremely large and requires an oversized backpack or case; 15" is average, 12" is often too small
Add a decoration (stickers, paint, etc) to make sure your computer is easily distinguishable from others. This makes it harder for someone to walk off with it.